P087B code meaning
Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P08xx codes Check engine light
What P087B means
Clutch position sensor B reports the position of the second clutch or its actuator, the counterpart of sensor A (P0805 ff). The only documented user is Ford's dry DPS6 dual clutch in Fiesta and Focus: clutch B, for reverse and the even gears, is moved by a three-phase motor whose Hall sensors give its position, and the gearbox module drives it through an internal motor driver. Ford sets P087B for a Hall sensor fault on the clutch B motor: one Hall signal is missing or implausible, so the module no longer knows the motor and clutch position reliably. The counterpart for clutch A is P0806. Judder, missed shifts and limp mode follow, with MIL.
P087B at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P087B
- MIL or transmission warning on
- Jerky take-off or shifts
- Gears skipped, vibration
Common causes of P087B
- Most likelyHall sensor in the clutch B motor faulty
- PossibleWiring or connector between motor and gearbox module
- PossibleInput of the gearbox module faulty
- Less likelyWater ingress or corrosion
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Clutch position sensorClutch actuator motorSensor wiringTransmission control module
What each part of P087B means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 8 | Area: transmission. |
| 7B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P087B and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P087B
What does P087B mean?
P087B means "Clutch Position Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance". Clutch position sensor B reports the position of the second clutch or its actuator, the counterpart of sensor A (P0805 ff). It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P087B?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P087B the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P087B fail an emissions test?
P087B is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P087B to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P087B clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.